Symptoms

Most people who have chlamydia do not have symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they might appear within 1-3 weeks of exposure.

Symptoms in men may include:

Purulent discharge from the penis

Burning, itchy, or painful sensation while urinating

Symptoms in women may include:

Increased or abnormal vaginal discharge

Vaginal redness or irritation

Painful and frequent urination

Unusual vaginal bleeding, or bleeding between periods

Pain or bleeding during or after sex

Abdominal pain

Pregnant women can transmit chlamydia to their newborns during birth. This may cause
conjunctivitis
or pneumonia in the baby.
Identification and treatment during pregnancy can greatly reduce risks for the baby.

Chlamydia can also cause serious health complications.

Complications in men include:

Epididymitis
—A painful swelling and inflammation of the testicles, which may lead to infertility.

Urethritis
—The inside of the urethra may become inflamed, which causes burning when passing urine. If scarring occurs, it may cause difficulty with passing urine, or block urine flow completely.

Prostatitis
—An inflammation of the prostate gland. Symptoms include pain in and around the groin and pelvis, or discomfort when urinating. It may also create flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, body aches, or fatigue.

Pelvic inflammatory disease
(PID)—A serious infection that can lead to
infertility
, even in women who never have symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include pelvic pain and pain with intercourse. PID causes scar tissue, or may cause an abscess to form, in the fallopian tubes.

Tubal pregnancy
—Scarring in the fallopian tube also increases the risk of a tubal pregnancy and infertility. A tubal pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg cannot reach the uterus. It is a serious condition that may cause a rupture, bleeding, or infection inside the abdomen. A ruptured or bleeding tubal pregnancy is considered a surgical emergency.

Abdominal inflammation—Chlamydia and
gonorrhea
may cause inflammation around the reproductive organs, the appendix, or the liver. When the liver is involved, symptoms resemble
gallbladder disease
, with fever and pain under the right ribs. This condition is called Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Diagnosis is based on tests.

Tests may include:

A swab from the penis, cervix, throat, or rectum to test the discharge.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.